EPT Prague made an explosive debut in Season 4, attracting a staggering 555 players to the Czech capital. Players from 36 nations put up €5,000 or qualified online, creating a prizepool of €2.5 million. A vocal crowd roared French backgammon champion Arnaud Mattern to victory and a €700,000 payday as he beat Gino ‘El Diablo’ Alacqua to the title.

Mattern went into the heads-up match with work to do. He cut into Alacqua's lead with clinical precision. Suddenty, sensing his moment to turn the tables he moved all-in with pocket jacks. For a few agonising seconds, Alacqua sat motionless. Then, with a quiet nod to the dealer, he called the all-in with A-9. The Jacks held up and the French crowd on the rail erupted in delight. Just 20 minutes later their countryman was an EPT champion.

Among the contenders in Prague were Team PokerStars Pros Luca Pagano, Dario Minieri and PCA Champion Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier, who joined 104 players who won their seats online at PokerStars.

QUALIFY ONLINE

This is your chance to compete with the world’s greatest players in one of Europe’s most spectacular cities. Play EPT satellites on PokerStars and take your seat for as little as $2.22 or 111 FPP. When you’re there, you can expect the full PokerStars experience – your package includes your buy-in, luxury accommodation and $1,000 to spend.

Finding our EPT satellites is easy. First, download the free PokerStars software. Then, click “Events” and “EPT” in the game lobby and register for the satellite of your choice. See our How To Qualify page for more information.

BUY IN DIRECTLY

If you're a PlatinumStar VIP or higher, you can buy in to EPT events using your PokerStars W$. Requests should be submitted to ept@pokerstars.com before the final online qualifying tournament on PokerStars (typically two Saturdays before the event).

You can also buy in at the Casino on the day of registration. For more details see the Tournament Info page. Players buying in using W$ will be PokerStars sponsored players for the duration of the EPT event, and are required to wear a PokerStars logo throughout the tournament.